Apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothing

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes such as bedsheets, blankets and bedspreads. The apparatus incorporates waterproof material placed in strategic locations to prevent urine from reaching the bedclothing. The waterproof material is advantageously placed beneath and above the individual user to prevent soiling of both the bedclothing underneath and the bedclothing on top of the individual user. The waterproof material on top of the individual user is limited to a central portion, and the remaining material is a breathable fabric to allow for a more comfortable sleep environment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/787,679 for Apparatus for Preventing theSoiling of Bedclothing, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which provisionalapplication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to bedclothes, and, more specifically,to an apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many children and adolescents experience intermittent or chronic urinaryincontinence, often taking the form of bedwetting during naps ornighttime sleep. Typically, children at least five years of age whoexperience persistent nighttime wetting will be diagnosed as havingnocturnal enuresis. The causes of nocturnal enuresis are varied andinclude a small bladder, stress, delayed development of toilet trainingskills, neurological disorders, and persistent urinary tract infections.For the parents of children experiencing either normal bedwetting (e.g.,bedwetting by children under age five) or an elimination disorder likenocturnal enuresis, ensuring that the child's bedclothes (e.g., bedding,sheets, bedspread, comforter, and/or blankets) remain clean and sanitarycan be a time-consuming and stressful chore. If a child is bedwettingvirtually every night, the parent faces the task of removing the soiledsheets and blankets, laundering them, then returning them to the child'sbed in time for sleep that night. Over time, this can lead tosignificant stress for the parent as they face a seemingly endless cycleof dirty bedclothes.

Some adults experience urinary incontinence issues as well. These adultsmay experience a leakage of urine due to medications they are taking,physiological conditions, or as a result of other medical conditions.The urinary incontinence can sometimes manifest itself in the form ofbedwetting. As such, some adults must also grapple with the burden offrequently laundering soiled bedclothes.

In the hospital or nursing home setting, caregivers often deal withpatients who have conditions that result in frequent soiling ofbedclothes. These conditions may include various forms of incontinence,or bleeding or drainage from wounds or sores. Repeated removal of all ofthe patient's bedclothes cannot only be time-consuming for thecaregiver, but can be disturbing for the patient, who typically must beremoved from the bed to allow for a changing of the bedclothes.

There exists a variety of products designed to protect bedclothes andmattresses from soiling. For example, there are waterproof sheets orpads that can be placed underneath the person to prevent the underlyingsheets and mattress from becoming soiled. While the positioning ofwaterproof materials beneath the individual is generally effective atpreventing the soiling of the underlying sheet and mattress, thisapproach does nothing to prevent the soiling of sheets, blankets andbedspreads that may be lying on top of the individual. These overlyingbedclothes often become soiled either directly, or after coming intocontact with urine that has collected on top of the waterproof materialpositioned beneath the individual. The overlying bedclothes can beprotected from soiling by placing an additional waterproof sheet inbetween the individual and the overlying bedclothing. This solution isunsatisfactory, however, because the overlying waterproof sheet, whichis typically comprised of a non-breathable fabric, does not allow forsufficient airflow and cooling of the patient. This results in anuncomfortable overheating of the individual, thereby making it difficultor impossible to achieve restful sleep.

What is needed is an apparatus that protects bedclothing from becomingsoiled while allowing for suitable airflow. In particular, what isneeded is a protective apparatus that protects the bedclothingunderneath and on top of the individual while allowing the individual toremain at a comfortable temperature to achieve restful sleep.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention embraces an apparatus forpreventing the soiling of bedclothes.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces an apparatus forpreventing the soiling of bedclothes underneath and on top of anindividual user.

In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces an apparatus forpreventing the soiling of bedclothes, which protective apparatusprevents the soiling of bedclothes while maintaining a comfortablesleeping temperature for the individual.

In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces an apparatus forpreventing the soiling of bedclothes that includes a tubular member. Thetubular member has a longitudinally-elongated top panel. Thelongitudinally-elongated top panel has a first edge, a second edge, aperipheral portion, and a central portion. The tubular member also has alongitudinally-elongated bottom panel having a first edge and a secondedge. The first edge of the longitudinally-elongated bottom panel isattached substantially along the first edge of thelongitudinally-elongated top panel. The tubular member also has a headend and a foot end. The central portion of the longitudinally-elongatedtop panel is substantially made of waterproof material. The peripheralportion of the longitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially madeof breathable material.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a securing member having afirst end and a second end. The first end of the securing member isattached to the tubular member.

In another embodiment, the securing member comprises a flap. The flap isconfigured such that at least a portion of the flap may be insertedbetween a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface tosubstantially prevent movement of the apparatus along the plane of thefirst supporting surface during use.

In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length of the securingmember is greater than one-half the longitudinal length of the tubularmember.

In yet another embodiment, the flap comprises a fabric panel.

In yet another embodiment, the first supporting surface comprises amattress.

In yet another embodiment, the second supporting surface comprises a bedframe.

In yet another embodiment, the second supporting surface comprises a boxspring.

In yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes a handle member.

In yet another embodiment, the handle member is attached to the tubularmember.

In yet another embodiment, the handle member is attached to the securingmember.

In yet another embodiment, the second edge of thelongitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attachedsubstantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated toppanel.

In yet another embodiment, the second edge of thelongitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attachedsubstantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated toppanel by a zipper.

In yet another embodiment, the second edge of thelongitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attachedsubstantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated toppanel by a hook-and-loop fastener.

In yet another embodiment, the second edge of thelongitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attachedsubstantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated toppanel by a plurality of snap fasteners.

In yet another embodiment, the waterproof material comprises vinyl.

In yet another embodiment, the waterproof material comprisespolyurethane laminate (PUL).

In yet another embodiment, the breathable material comprises cotton.

In yet another embodiment, the breathable material comprises polyester.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces an apparatus forpreventing the soiling of bedclothes. The apparatus includes a tubularmember having a longitudinally-elongated top panel. Thelongitudinally-elongated top panel has a first edge, a second edge, aperipheral portion, and a central portion. The tubular member furtherhas a longitudinally-elongated bottom panel having a first edge and asecond edge. The first edge of the longitudinally-elongated bottom panelis attached substantially along the first edge of thelongitudinally-elongated top panel. The tubular member also has a headend and a foot end. The apparatus also includes a securing member havinga first end and a second end. The first end of the securing member isattached to the tubular member. A handle member is attached to eitherthe tubular member or the securing member. The central portion of thelongitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially comprised ofwaterproof material. The substantially-elongated bottom panel issubstantially comprised of waterproof material. The peripheral portionof the longitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially comprised ofbreathable material.

The foregoing, as well as other objectives and advantages of theinvention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, arefurther specified within the following detailed description and itsaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary apparatus according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary apparatus accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view depicting a typical use by anindividual in a bed of an exemplary apparatus according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of an exemplary apparatus accordingto the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for preventing bedclothes frombecoming soiled by an individual, such as soiling from bedwetting. In anexemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having alongitudinally-elongated top panel having a first edge, a second edge, aperipheral portion, and a central portion. The tubular member also has alongitudinally-elongated bottom panel having a first edge and a secondedge. The first edge of the longitudinally-elongated bottom panel isattached substantially along the first edge of thelongitudinally-elongated top panel. The tubular member also has a headend and a foot end. The central portion of the longitudinally-elongatedtop panel is substantially comprised of waterproof material, and theperipheral portion is substantially comprised of breathable material.

Reference is now made to the illustrations shown in FIGS. 1 through 4.In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 5 for preventing the soilingof bedclothes comprises a tubular member 10. The tubular member 10defines an opening 60 of sufficient size to allow for an individual(e.g., a child or adult human) to be positioned at least partly insideof said tubular member 10. In this way, when the apparatus 5 is in use,the tubular member 10 envelopes at least a portion (e.g., the lowertorso) of the individual positioned within the opening 60. It will beunderstood that the use of the term “tubular” is not intended to belimited to a strictly tube-shaped body. Instead, the term embraces agenerally tubular elongated body. The tubular member 10 has a head endand a foot end. When in use, the head end would be the end positionednearest the head of the individual user, and the foot end would be theend positioned nearest the feet of the individual user.

The tubular member 10 is comprised of a longitudinally-elongated toppanel 15 and a longitudinally-elongated bottom panel 20. Thelongitudinally-elongated top panel 15 has a first edge and a secondedge. The longitudinally-elongated top panel 15 also has a peripheralportion 25 and a central portion 30 (e.g., middle portion). The centralportion 30 is substantially comprised of waterproof material. The termwaterproof is intended to mean that the material substantially preventsthe penetration of water or other liquids through the material.Typically, the waterproof material is a fabric having a waterproofcoating. Examples of waterproof material include vinyl, rubber andpolyurethane laminate. When the individual is positioned inside of theapparatus 5 (e.g., with the individual's torso and legs substantiallysurrounded by the apparatus), the central portion 30 is positioned ontop of the individual user's lower torso, thereby serving as awaterproof barrier preventing, for example, urine from soaking throughonto the bedclothes overlaying the individual user inside the apparatus5. The central portion 30 is substantially waterproof because that areais most likely to be in the position where the individual would excreteurine when the individual is in a face-up position (e.g., when theindividual is sleeping on his or her back).

The peripheral portion 25 is substantially constructed of a breathable(e.g., porous) material, typically a breathable fabric (e.g., cottonfabric, cotton). The breathable fabric allows for adequate circulationof air around the individual, thereby providing for a suitable sleepingenvironment (e.g., a comfortable temperature). In a preferredembodiment, the peripheral portion 25 is comprised of a breathablefabric that also has moisture-repelling qualities. This allows for muchof the moisture to be wicked away from the child while also allowing forsome moisture to contact the child's body, thereby alerting the childthat a bedwetting has occurred. This can be useful in the nighttimetoilet training process.

By limiting the waterproof area to the central portion 30, thelongitudinally-extended top panel 15 more closely resembles a typicaltop bedsheet than it would if it were constructed entirely of waterproofmaterial, which tends to be less comfortable for the individual user. Ina preferred embodiment, the central portion 30 may be in a shape that isattractive or interesting to children (e.g., a star or a flower).

The longitudinally-elongated bottom panel 20 includes a first edge and asecond edge. The first edge of the longitudinally-elongated bottom panel20 is attached substantially along the corresponding first edge of thelongitudinally-elongated top panel 15. The second edge of thelongitudinally elongated bottom panel 20 is attached substantially alongthe corresponding second edge of the longitudinally-elongated top panel15. The longitudinally-elongated top panel 15 and thelongitudinally-elongated bottom panel 20 may be fixably attached (e.g.,sewn together), removably attached (e.g., zippered or snapped together),or integral with each other. The longitudinally-elongated bottom panel20 is typically substantially comprised of a waterproof material (e.g.,fabric with a waterproof coating), thereby preventing urine or othermaterial from soiling the underlying bedclothes or supporting surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the second edge of thelongitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached to thecorresponding second edge of the longitudinally-elongated top panel. Thetwo edges may be removably attached using any acceptable fasteningmeans, including a hook-and-loop fastener, a zipper, a plurality of snapfasteners, and/or buttons.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 5 includes a securing member50. The securing member 50 is attached to the tubular member 10.Typically, the securing member 50 is a panel having a first end attachedto the tubular member 10 and a second end suitable for removablysecuring the apparatus to a first supporting surface (e.g., mattress).In a preferred embodiment, the securing member 50 is a flap (e.g., afabric flap, fabric panel). The flap may be configured such that atleast a portion of the flap may be inserted between the first supportingsurface and a second supporting surface (e.g., mattress, box springs,bed frame, or floor). When tucked in between the first supportingsurface and the second supporting surface, the supporting member 50(e.g., flap) substantially prevents movement of the apparatus 5 alongthe plane of the first supporting surface during use (e.g., preventshorizontal movement of the apparatus 5). This allows the apparatus 5 toremain substantially in the best position vis-à-vis the individual andthe first supporting surface for preventing the leakage of moisture(e.g., urine) outside of the apparatus 5 during use, thereby preventingthe soiling of bedclothes either beneath or above the apparatus 5.

In an alternative embodiment, the securing member 50 may be configuredto be removably attached to either the first supporting surface or thesecond supporting surface, such as by various fastening means, includinga hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a tie, etc.

As depicted in FIG. 3, when the securing member 50 is tucked beneath themattress, the securing member 50 prevents the apparatus 5 from becomingdisplaced during use (e.g., during sleep). If the apparatus 5 were tobecome displaced, it may impair the effectiveness of the apparatus 5.For example, if the central portion 30 were to move away from theindividual user's lower torso area, there would be no waterproof barrierprotecting the overlying bedclothes from becoming soiled from, forexample, nighttime urination. In an alternative embodiment, the securingmember 50 may be a strap.

In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal length of the securingmember 50 is greater than one-half of the longitudinal length of thetubular member 10. In general, the longer the securing member 50 is inproportion to the length of the tubular member 10, the greater thestability that can be achieved. In other words, using a longer securingmember 50 generally allows for greater control over the stability of theapparatus 5 during use.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 5 according to the presentdisclosure includes a handle member 55 attached to the tubular member10. The handle member 55 allows for simplified removal of the apparatus5 from the mattress. When a parent or caregiver notices that theapparatus 5 has become soiled, he or she can slide the apparatus 5 offof the child or patient and easily pull it off the bed using the handlemember 55. The parent can simply pull the handle member 55 and theentire apparatus 5 slides off of the mattress. In this way, theunderlying and overlying bedding do not have to be removed during thechanging process, and a clean apparatus 5 can be quickly placed on thebed so that the child or patient can resume sleeping. Alternatively, thechild may be alerted by the wetness of the apparatus 5 that a bedwettinghas occurred, and may simply pull the handle member 55 to remove thesoiled apparatus 5 on his or her own. In this way, the simplifiedchanging process facilitated by the present apparatus 5 can allow for afeeling of greater independence for the child. Typically, the handlemember 55 is comprised of an elongated strap having two ends, with eachend attached to the tubular member 10. In an alternative embodiment, thehandle member 55 may be attached to the securing member 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tubular member's head end defines an opening 60for receiving the individual. Typically, the tubular member's foot endalso defines the opening 60, thereby allowing the individual's feet andlower legs to extend through the apparatus 5 and allowing for increasedairflow. In an alternative embodiment, the tubular member's head enddefines an opening 60 but the foot end is closed. In this alternativeembodiment, the apparatus 5 resembles a sleeping bag. This configurationprovides greater insulation for the individual user, which may bedesirable in colder conditions.

In the specification and figures, typical embodiments of the inventionhave been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to suchexemplary embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have beenused in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes oflimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for preventing the soiling ofbedclothes comprising: a tubular member, said tubular member having alongitudinally-elongated top panel having a first edge, a second edge, aperipheral portion, and a central portion, said tubular member furtherhaving a longitudinally-elongated bottom panel having a first edge and asecond edge, said first edge of said longitudinally-elongated bottompanel being attached substantially along said first edge of saidlongitudinally-elongated top panel, and said tubular member furtherhaving a head end and a foot end; wherein said central portion of saidlongitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially comprised ofwaterproof material; and wherein said peripheral portion of saidlongitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially comprised ofbreathable material.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising asecuring member having a first end and a second end, said first end ofthe securing member being attached to the tubular member.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the securing member comprises a flap;wherein the flap is configured such that at least a portion of the flapmay be inserted between a first supporting surface and a secondsupporting surface to substantially prevent movement of the apparatusalong the plane of the first supporting surface during use.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the longitudinal length of the securingmember is greater than one-half the longitudinal length of the tubularmember.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the flap comprises a fabricpanel.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first supporting surfacecomprises a mattress.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the secondsupporting surface comprises a bed frame.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the second supporting surface comprises a box spring.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, comprising: a handle member.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the handle member is attached to the tubular member.11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle member is attached tothe securing member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secondedge of the longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attachedsubstantially along the second edge of said longitudinally-elongated toppanel.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second edge of thelongitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attachedsubstantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated toppanel by a zipper.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the secondedge of the longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attachedsubstantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated toppanel by a hook-and-loop fastener.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated bottom panel isremovably attached substantially along the second edge of thelongitudinally-elongated top panel by a plurality of snap fasteners. 16.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waterproof material comprisesvinyl.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waterproof materialcomprises polyurethane laminate (PUL).
 18. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the breathable material comprises cotton.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the breathable material comprises polyester.
 20. Anapparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes comprising: a tubularmember, said tubular member having a longitudinally-elongated top panelhaving a first edge, a second edge, a peripheral portion, and a centralportion, said tubular member further having a longitudinally-elongatedbottom panel having a first edge and a second edge, said first edge ofsaid longitudinally-elongated bottom panel being attached substantiallyalong said first edge of said longitudinally-elongated top panel, andsaid tubular member further having a head end and a foot end; a securingmember having a first end and a second end, said first end of thesecuring member being attached to the tubular member; and a handlemember attached to either the tubular member or the securing member;wherein said central portion of said longitudinally-elongated top panelis substantially comprised of waterproof material; wherein saidlongitudinally-elongated bottom panel is substantially comprised ofwaterproof material; and wherein said peripheral portion of saidlongitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially comprised ofbreathable material.